Norwalk Fire Department
Press Release

November 23, 2011

The Norwalk Fire Department rescued an unconscious man, overcome by carbon monoxide gas in the basement of a single family home at 253 West Rocks Road in Norwalk . The victim’s co-worker returning from an errand found the man lying motionless on the basement floor and called 911, at 10:40 am.

The men were painting in the basement of the vacant home and were using a generator to provide power for lighting. The co-worker mentioned to the dispatchers that a generator was in use and dispatchers then notified Firefighters and Medics of a possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Firefighters in full protective gear, including breathing apparatus entered the home with meters to monitor the carbon monoxide levels. The meters immediately went into alarm due to the dangerously high level of CO. The victim, a man in his early 50’s was found unconscious on the basement floor. Firefighters quickly carried the man out of the home and began to administer high flow oxygen on the front lawn, while waiting for a mutual aid ambulance. Wilton EMS with a Norwalk Hospital Paramedic then arrived on scene and transported the semi-conscious man to Norwalk Hospital .

An Engine, Rescue and Truck Company remained on scene for about an hour ventilating the home until the carbon monoxide levels were reduced to zero.